Prefabricated block flue



Jan. 23 1951 11.. w. BAYLOR PREFABRICATED BLOCK FLUE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 24, 1949 m. 8 I J 2 7 r r 111 mm tor Allorney 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 L. W. BAYLOR PREFABRICATED BLOCK FLUE Inventor Jan. 23 1951 Filed June 24, 1949 Attorney Patented Jan. 23, 1951 UNITED STATES ATENT OFFICE 4 Claims.

This invention relates to a novel construction of flue for building structures and has for its primary object to provide a prefabricated flue formed of individual prefabricated blocks through the use of which a flue may be quickly and easily erected without resorting to the old and conventional practice of constructing the flue by the laying of bricks in circular, rectangular or other shaped courses and which will greatly reduce the amount of time and labor required in producing a flue of any desired height and which will result in a flue construction whichv is much more durable, lasting and far safer than conventional flues formed of brick.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a block flue composed of five types of prefabricated blocks and including various numbers. of two, of the five types, of the blocks to enable a. flue of any desired height to be quickly and easily erected and to which flue outlets of any number of heating units located on any of the different floors of a structure, in which the flue. isv erected, may be connected to said flue.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a flue structure which is capable of being more effectively anchored and supported in an embedded position than conventional flues formed of brick and which is capable of being disassembled and reassembled for adjusting it to changes made in the construction of a building including, if necessary, completely changing the location of the flue relatively to a building.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a flue structure which is equally well adapted for use with a building provided with a cellar or a building erected without a cellar and having a bottom floor located at or above the ground level.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a flue formed of a refractory or fireproof material and which is additionally lined throughout its smoke passage with a fireproof lining.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a prefabricated flue structure which, due to its construction, will effectively prevent the escape of smoke or sparks therefrom below its upper, open end and which can be erected without the use of mortar or other bonding mediums and which will eliminate the danger inherent in conventional flues of the mortar cracking and falling out so as to release bricks or to form openings from which broken sparks may escape into a building.

Numerous other objects and advantages of the invention will hereinafter become more fully apparent from the following description of the drawings, illustrating presentlypreferred embodiments thereof, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of a building showing the flue in side elevation erected therein;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary central sectional view on an enlarged scale of the flue;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the flue;

Figures 4, 5 and 6 are cross sectional views of the flue taken substantially along planes as indicated by the lines 4-4, 5-5 and 6-6, respectively, of Figure 2;

Figure 7 is a side elevational view, partly in vertical section of the bottom section or block of the flue;

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 7 of the block. disposed next above the bottom block of the flue;

Figure 9 is a view similar to Figure 8' of another type of block of the flue;

Figure 10 is a view similar to Figure 9 but illustrating a fourth type of block of the flue;

Figure 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the bottom flue block or section and on an enlarged scale;

Figure 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the block as shown in Figure 10, and

Figure 13 isa side elevational View, partly in vertical section of a slightly modified form of the prefabricated block flue.

Referring more specifically to the drawings and first with reference to the form of the invention as illustrated in Figures 1 to 12, inclusive, the novel prefabricated block flue in its entirety and comprising the invention is illustrated in Figure 1 and designated generally I5 and is shown erected in a building It which, for the purpose of illustrating one preferred application of the block flue i5 is show-n as comprising a bottom, floor H, a second floor I8, a third or top floor l9, and as including a roof 20. However, as the description proceeds it will be readily apparent that the prefabricated flue i5 is adapted for use in buildings having any number of floors and in conjunction with buildings wherein the bottom floor is located adjacent the ground level, as illustrated in Figure 1, is disposed above the ground level or in connection with buildings having a cellar located partially or completely below the ground level.

The prefabricated blockflue I5 includes a single ground block, designated generally 2| constituting the bottom section thereof and which, like the other blocks of the flue l5, hereinafter to be described, is illustrated as being substantially square in cross section. However, it is to be understood that the blocks forming the flue I may be of any desired cross sectional shape Without affecting the invention. The ground block I5 is provided with an integral enlarged base 22 which is adapted to be embedded in the earth as seen at 23 in Figure 1 and which is located below the level of the bottom floor I! and which would similarly be located below the level of the floor of a cellar and which could be embedded in the earth below the foundation of a cellar floor. The ground block 2! extends upwardly through an opening 24 in the bottom floor IT and is provided with a relatively large, preferably square box-like recess 25 in the upper part thereof, as seen in Figure 11, which opens outwardly of the upper surface 26 of said ground block 2i.

Supported on the ground block 2| is a bowl block, designated generally 21, of the same cross sectional size and shape as the block 2| and which is provided at its bottom with a depending projection 23, as best seen in Figures 2 and 8 which is sized and shaped to fit snugly within the ground block recess 25, as seen in Figure 2. The bowl block 27 is provided with a flat bottom surface 29 surrounding its depending projection 28 and which rests flush on the top surface 26 of the block 2I when its projection 28 is seated snugly in the recess 25. The upper portion of the bowl block 2? corresponds identically with the upper part of the ground block 2|, including an upwardly opening recess 39, corresponding to the recess 25 and an upper flat surface 3|, surrounding said recess 33 and corresponding with the ground block top surface 26.

In Figures 1 and 2, only a single bowl block 21 has been illustrated and a bowl pipe block,

designated generally 32 is shown mounted directly on said bowl block 2?. However, where it is desired to position the bowl pipe block 32 at a higher level than as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, two or more corresponding bowl blocks 27 may be employed in lieu of the single bowl block 2! for locating the bowl pipe block 32 at a greater elevation above the ground block 2| and where two or more bowl blocks 21 are employed they are erected in superimposed relationship with respect to one another and between the blocks 2! and 32. The bowl pipe block 32 is of the same cross sectional shape and size as the blocks 2I and 2'! and has a bottom portion corresponding to the bottom portion of the block 2? and including a depending projection 33, corresponding to the projection 28 and which seats snugly in the upwardly opening bowl block recase 39, and a bottom surface 34, surrounding the projection 33 and which seats flush on the upper surface 3!, when said projection 33 is in a fully seated position as seen in Figure 2. The bowl pipe block 32 is provided with a recess 35 which extends longitudinally thereof from near its bottom surface 34 and which opens outwardly of its upper surface 35 and which is centrally disposed. The bore 35 is illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 as being square in cross section but may be of any other desired cross sectional shape. The bowl pipe block 32 is provided with a lateral bore 37 which opens outwardly of a side thereof and into the bore 35 and which is disposed at least a foot above the lower end of the recess or bore 35 and not more than two feet above the bottom of the recess 35. The upper surface of the block 32, which surrounds the open upper end of the bore and which is designated 35 is substantially flat except for a groove 38 which extends therearound and which is spaced substantially the same distance from the bore 35 and the sides of the block 32. The flue I5 includes only a single bowl pipe block 32 and disposed thereabove is a plurality of common or runner blocks, designated generally 39 and 40 and which differ only in that the blocks 40 are each provided with one or more lateral bores 4i whereas the blocks 39 have no lateral bores. Likewise, the block 32 may be provided with one or more bores 31 to open outwardly of one or more sides thereof. Any number of blocks 39 and 40 may be provided depending upon the height of the building IS in which the flue I5 is erected as the superimposed blocks 39 and 49 extend from the block 32 which is located in the lower floor or cellar of the building It to above the roof 2!! and with certain of said blocks 39 and/or 40 extending through openings 42 of the floors I8 and I9, if the flue I5 is internally disposed with respect to the building I 3, s illustrated in Figure ll Each block 39 and 40 is provided with a central bore 43 extending longitudinally and centrally therethrough which bores are of the same cross sectional shape as the recess or bore 35 and disposed to register with one another and with said recess 35 when said blocks 39 and 49 are erected one upon the other and superimposed on the block 32. Each block 39 and 49 has a substantially flat bottom surface 44 surrounding its bore 43 and provided with a continuous depending rib or tongue 45 which is spaced from the inner and outer edges of the bottom surface 44 so as to seat snugly within the groove 38 of the bowl-type block 32 or in a corresponding upwardly opening groove 46 of a block 39 or 40, disposed directly therebeneath. The bottom surface 44 of the lowermost common or runner block 39 seats on the upper surface 36 of the block 32 and in flush engagement therewith and so that the block 39 will have its sides disposed in the same plane as the corresponding sides of the blocks 2I, 21 and 32, said blocks 39 and 40 being of the same cross sectional shape and size as said aforementioned blocks. Further, the blocks 39 and 40 are held against lateral displacement in any direction by the interengaging tongue and groove connections 45 and 38 and 45 and 46, respectively. Likewise, the upper surface of each block 39 and 40, designated 41 corresponds with the upper surface 36 and has the groove 46 corresponding to the groove 38.

The uppermost section or crown block, designated generally 48 is mounted on the uppermost block 39 and above the roof 20 and has a lower portion corresponding to the lower portion of each block 39 and 40 and including a bottom surface 49 to rest on the top surface 41 of said uppermost block 39 and which is provided with a depending tongue 59 which seats snugly in the upwardly opening recess 46 of said uppermost block 48'. The upper surface of the crown block 48 is flat and smooth having no grooves therein. The crown block 48 is preferably pro vided with an integral external rib or flange 52 which extends therearound adjacent its upper end 5i and said block 48 is provided with a central bore 53 extending longitudinally therethrough, which is of the same shape as the bore 43 and which registers therewith and the upper end of which bore 53 constitutes the outlet of the prefabricated block flue I5.

Each of the blocks of the flue I5 is formed of a refractory or fireproof material such as cement or fire brick clay and the bore portions 35, 43, 53, 31 and 4| are all lined throughout with a lining 54 of a fireproof material such as terra cotta.

From the preceding description it will be readily apparent that by varying the number of the blocks 2! and the number and location of the blocks 39 and 40 that the bowl-type block 32 can be disposed at a proper level so that the flue outlet conduit 55 of a stove or heater 56 can be connected in the lined bore 3'5 to discharge into the recess 35 while similar flue outlets 55 of other stoves or heaters 56, located on the two upper floors l8 and [9 may be connected to the lined bore 4| of the properly located common blocks 40, which blocks 32 and 413 may be positioned so that their bores 31 and M, respectively, will face toward the heaters 56. Likewise, as previously stated, each of the blocks 32 and 40 may be provided with a number of bores 31 or 4|, respectively, for accommodating two or more heaters located on the same floor.

From the foregoing it will be readily apparent that the prefabricated block flue 95 may be quickly and easily erected with the minimum of labor and will aiford substantial construction which, if desired, may be erected without the use of mortar or other bonding mediums yet which will be so stably constructed that it will maintain itself in an upright position. The interlocking tongue and groove joints of the blocks 32, 39, 46 and 48 will effectively prevent the escape of smoke, sparks or other products of combustion between the flue blocks so that the flue 95 will afford the maximum of protection against fire and, as previously stated, by increasing or decreasing the number of blocks 2?, 39 and 40 the height of the flue l5 may be varied as desired or required. It will also be readily apparent that the flue l5 can be readily dismantled, moved and re-erected, if required and with a minimum of labor and time.

Figure 13 illustrated a slightly modified form of the flue, designated generally i5a and which differs from the flue i5 only in that the ground block 21a and bowl block or blocks 21a are larger in cross section than the common blocks 39a and 40a, the bowl-type block 32a and the crown block 480., to afford a more stable foundation section of the flue 150.. As the flue l5a is otherwise identical in construction to the flue I5, a further description thereof is considered unnecessary.

The ground block 2! or 2 la and the bowl block 2'! or 21a may also be utilized as a prefabricated base or foundation for a flue or chimney constructed of brick and which is laid in courses thereon.

Various other modifications and changes are contemplated and may obviously be resorted to, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as hereinafter defined by the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. A prefabricated block flue comprising a ground block constituting the bottom section of the flue having an enlarged base adapted to be embedded in the earth, said block extending upwardly through a bottom or cellar floor of a building and having a flat upper surface provided with a relatively large upwardly opening recess, a plurality of blocks superimposed upon said ground block and supported thereby in upright positions and having substantially flat abutting top and bottom surfaces provided with interlocking tongue and groove joints, said blocks having aligned bores extending longitudinally therethrough and communicating to form a flue passage opening outwardly of the uppermost block, one of said blocks, comprising a bowl pipe block, being provided with a longitudinally extending recess communicating at its upper end with said flue passage and having a closed lower end defining the lower end of said passage, said bowl pipe block being provided with a depending projection sized for snug fitting engagement in the upwardly opening recess of said ground block, and said bowl pipe block and certain of the blocks disposed thereabove being provided with laterally extending bores opening into the flue passage and outwardly of said blocks and adapted to be connected to a flue conduit or chimney of a stove or heater.

2. A flue as in claim 1, and a plurality of bowl blocks interposed between the ground block and bowl pipe block each having a depending projection for snugly fitting into the upwardly opening recess of the ground block or bowl block disposed directly therebeneath and an upwardly opening recess for snugly receiving the depending projection of the boWl block or bowl pipe block disposed directly thereabove for positioning said bowl pipe block at any desired level above the ground block.

3. A flue as in claim 1, said bowl pipe block and the blocks disposed thereabove being square so that the blocks provided with the lateral bores can be disposed with the bores opening outwardly of any of the sides of the flue.

4. A flue as in claim 1, said blocks being formed of a molded refractory material, the longitudinal bores of the last mentioned blocks being lined with a fireproof material, and the lateral bores of the blocks, having later bores, being lined with a fireproof material.

I LEON W. BAYLOR.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 781,746 Sheldon Feb. 7, 1905 791,452 Croe et al. June 6, 1905 869,518 Rector Oct. 29, 1907 933,774 Maschino Sept. 14, 1909 1,457,454 Patee June 5, 1923 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 21,526 Switzerland June 12, 1901 232,322 Switzerland Aug. 1, 1944 344,519 Italy Nov. 10, 1936 793,847 France Dec. 2, 1935 

